Low GPA to PA School: Michelle's University of Charleston Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Michelle applied twice. Her second cycle meant 16 applications, and it produced exactly one interview — which became one waitlist and then one acceptance at the University of Charleston. She had a 3.33 overall GPA, a 3.12 science GPA, 3,800 PCE hours, 400 shadowing hours, and 1,500 volunteer hours. She's direct that the process is brutal and that she nearly quit.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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How many programs did you apply to?

In this post:

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes?

1 interview, 1 waitlist, 1 acceptance

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, the sentence to underline in Michelle's story is that it only takes one program. Sixteen applications produced a single interview — a roughly 6% conversion rate, which reflects how heavily a 3.12 science GPA weighs in initial screening. That one interview became a waitlist, and the waitlist became her seat. Her 400 shadowing hours across surgical and dermatology PAs plus a physician gave her three letters from clinicians who had watched her observe and learn, and 1,500 volunteer hours rounded out a file that clearly wasn't going to win on numbers. If your science GPA is near 3.1, apply broadly, expect a low interview rate, and understand that one invitation is all you need.

Where will you be attending?

University of Charleston

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Michelle logged 400 shadowing hours, and two of her five letters came from the PAs she shadowed. Extended shadowing does double duty — it teaches you the profession and it produces the people who will vouch for you.

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Anything you found surprising about interviews?

I was surprised at how comfortable I felt throughout the entire interview. I felt so welcomed by the program, students, and faculty that I did not feel nervous at all. I think this really helped me throughout my interview!

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process?

I used Savanna Perry's Interview Guide, along with the Pre-PA Club for interview tips and to answer CASPA questions.

Any other advice for other pre-PA students?

Do not give up! There were so many times throughout my second cycle applying that I felt like giving up. The process is brutal and tiring, but it only takes one program to see what makes you a unique applicant, and to ultimately accept you. Things will work out for you in the end. So keep working hard on those patient care hours, prerequisite courses, or GRE study hours. You've got this!

Where can we find you?

Feel free to follow me on my instagram or message me questions: michelle_levine4

Need to Know:

Undergraduate education: The University of Texas at Austin
Overall GPA: 3.33
Science GPA: 3.12
GRE: 300
Total PCE hours: 3,800
Shadowing hours: 400
Other Volunteer hours: 1,500
LORs: Surgical PA, Dermatology PA, Physician, Work Supervisor, Professor
How many times did you apply?: Twice
Age: 25
Gender: Female

FAQ

What GPA do you need for the University of Charleston PA program?

Michelle was accepted with a 3.33 overall GPA and a 3.12 science GPA on her second application cycle. [VERIFY] Confirm the University of Charleston's current minimum GPA requirements.

Can you get into PA school with a 3.1 science GPA?

Yes, but expect a low interview rate. Michelle applied to 16 programs across her second cycle and received one interview, which became an acceptance. Extensive patient care hours, 400 shadowing hours, and strong letters made the difference once she got in the room.

Does the University of Charleston PA program require the GRE?

Michelle submitted a GRE score of 300. [VERIFY] Confirm whether the program currently requires the GRE, as many have dropped it.

How many patient care hours do you need for the University of Charleston PA program?

Michelle applied with 3,800 PCE hours, 400 shadowing hours, and 1,500 volunteer hours. [VERIFY] Confirm the program's current PCE requirements.

Is it normal to get only one PA school interview?

It's common, especially with a lower GPA. Michelle received one interview from 16 applications and was accepted. A single invitation is enough, so treat every one as if it's your only one.

How can I be featured in an Accepted! post?

Email [email protected] or use the contact form at The PA Platform to share your acceptance story.

CLOSING

Sixteen applications, one interview, one waitlist, one acceptance. Michelle nearly gave up during her second cycle and says so plainly, which makes her conclusion more credible than most: it only takes one program to see what makes you worth admitting. If you're staring at a thin pile of interview invitations, that's the number that matters.

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Low GPA to PA School: Michelle's University of Charleston Acceptance Story